It may only be August, but children all over the state will be heading back to school within the next few weeks. When school is in session, the roads will be more congested, and the risk of getting into a collision will be higher.
As a motorist, it is your responsibility to keep an eye out for buses and children, especially when school is about to start in the mornings and when it gets out in the afternoons. In addition to exercising caution, there are specific laws that you must follow when passing or following a school bus.
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ClientFor example, in the state of Louisiana, you must stop within 30 feet of a school bus that has stopped to let children on and off, unless you are on the other side of a divided highway. Motorists who fail to follow this law or who are distracted when driving through congested school zones can cause serious collisions with devastating results.
If you or someone you love was involved in an accident with a reckless or distracted driver, contact Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers. A Marksville injury lawyer on our team can evaluate your situation and provide comprehensive legal guidance.
Our lawyers have more than 350 years of combined experience, and we have the highest legal rating offered by Martindale-Hubbell. Call 800-522-6733 to schedule a free case evaluation.
Read on for five safe driving tips now that school is back in session:
- Slow Down
School zones have reduced speed limits for a reason. According to the American Automobile Association, a pedestrian who is struck by a car that is going 35 mph is 66 percent more likely to be killed than one who is struck by a car traveling 25 mph.
- Pay Attention
It is easy to zone out on the drive to work and let muscle memory take over, but you need to remain alert, especially when driving near schools. Slow down when approaching crosswalks, and keep an eye out for children getting in and out of vehicles.
- Do Not Overtake Stopped Vehicles in a School Zone
If you are driving through a school zone or residential area and there is a stopped vehicle up ahead, slow down and assess the situation before simply driving around it. The car could be stopped for pedestrians waiting to cross, or it may be picking up a member of the carpool.
- Share the Road
In addition to pedestrians and school buses, you can also expect to see more bicyclists on the road during the school year. Cyclists are hard to spot in traffic, so scan your surroundings frequently and always look twice before turning.
- Avoid Distracted Driving
Distracted driving can be just as dangerous as drunk driving. Even minor distractions like adjusting your GPS device can lead to a devastating collision, so make it a point to focus solely on the road whenever you are behind the wheel.
If you or your child sustained injuries in a collision with a distracted driver, turn to Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers for comprehensive legal guidance. A Marksville accident attorney will relentlessly help you fight for the maximum compensation.
Call 800-522-6733 to schedule a free consultation. If you would like to learn more about car accident claims in Louisiana, visit usattorneys.com/car-accident/louisiana.
